U  G 

444 


INSTRUCTIONS 


FOR  THE 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS 
FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION 

1917 


V 


Part     I — Organization  and  Tactics 

Part   II — Training 

Part  III— General  Remarks 

Appendixes 


WASHINGTON 
GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 

1917 


U 


WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

Document  No.  613. 

Office  of  The  Adjutant  General, 


WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

t  WASHINGTON,  June  L'f,  1911. 

The  following  Instructions  for  the  Training  of  Platoons  for 
Offensive  Action  are  published  for  the  information  of  all  con- 
cerned. 

[2622804  A.  G.  O.] 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  WAR: 

TASKER  H.  BLISS, 
Major  General,  Acting  Chief  of  Staff. 
OFFICIAL  : 

H.  P.  Mr-CAIN, 

The  Adjutant  General. 


664367 


INTEODUCTION. 


The  instructions  herewith  are  in  extenso  of  those  contained 
in  Section  IV,  paragraph  5  of  S.  S.  135,  Instructions  for  the 
Training  of  Divisions  for  Offensive  Action,  and  must  be  read  in 
conjunction  therewith. 

In  the  last-mentioned  document  it  is  laid  down,  as  a  result  of 
recent  experience,  that  the  platoon  is  the  unit  in  the  assault. 

The  organization  of  a  platoon  has  been  decided  in  G.  H.  Q. 
letter  O.  B./1919,  dated  February  7,  1917.  The  guiding  prin- 
ciples of  this  organization  are  that  the  platoon  shall  consist  of 
a  combination  of  all  the  weapons  with  which  the  Infantry  are 
now  armed,  and  that  specialist  commanders  for  Infantry  are 
undesirable. 

In  O.  B./1919/T,  dated  February  14,  1917  (S.  S.  144),  a  nor- 
mal formation  for  the  attack,  of  which  the  platoon  is  the  unit, 
has  been  laid  down.  The  adoption  of  a  normal  formation  for 
the  attack  has  been  necessitated  partly  by  the  shortness  of  the 
time  which  is  available  for  training,  and  partly  by  the  lack  of 
experience  among  subordinate  commanders. 

This  pamphlet  has  been  drawn  up  with  a  view  to  assisting 
platoon  commanders  in  training  and  fighting  their  platoons. 
It  is  not  possible  to  lay  down  a  correct  line  of  action  for  all 
situations  which  may  arise  on  the  battle  field,  but  it  is  hoped 
that  a  careful  study  of  the  instructions  herein  contained  may 
assist  subordinate  commanders  to  act  correctly  in  any  situa- 
tion. 

The  terms  "  trench-to-trench  attack "  and  "  attack  in  open 
warfare "  are  used  in  this  pamphlet  to  differentiate  from  an 
instructional  point  of  view  between  the  methodical  attack  of 
highly  organized  defenses  and  such  attacks  as  may  occur  at  a 
later  period  of  an  offensive  after  the  main  system  of  the  enemy's 
defensps  has  been  penetrated. 

It  can  not  be  too  thoroughly  recognized  that  although  it  may 
be  necessary  to  slightly  vary  the  preparations  and  form  of  assem- 
bly for  the  attack  in  these  two  sets  of  circumstances,  the  actual 
tactics  to  be  employed  will  usually  be  identical. 


CONTENTS. 


Part  I. — Organization  and  tactics:  Page. 

1.  Organization  of  a  platoon 9 

2.  Parade 9 

3.  Ammunition,  bombs,  etc.,  and  how  carried 10 

4.  Characteristics  and  uses  of  the  various  weapons 10 

5.  The  normal  formations  for  platoons  and  companies  in 

the  attack 11 

G.  Working  and  carrying  parties 11 

7.  Tactics  of  a  platoon  in  either  trench-to-trench  attack- 

or  open  warfare 11-13 

8.  Tactics  of  the  platoon  in  defense 13 

9.  General  rules  as  to  tactics 14 

Part  II.— Training: 

1.  Uniformity  of  tactics,  etc 15 

2.  Requirements  to  be  attained 15 

3.  Method  of  attaining  these  requirements 15-18 

Part  III. — General  remarks 19 

Appendixes : 

I .  Platoon  formation  for  trench-to-trench  attack 20-21 

II.  Platoon  in  Artillery  formation 21 

III.  Company  formation  for  trench-to-trench  attack 22 

IV.  Platoon  formation  for  attack  in  open  warfare 23-24 

V.  Suggested  daily  program  during  first  period  of  training.  24 

VI.  Suggested  daily  program  during  second  period  of  train- 
ing and  notes 24-25 

VII.  Suggested  useful  exercises  in  open  warfare 25 

VIII.  Example  of  a  platoon  in  the  first  wave  of  trench-to- 
trench' assault  meeting  a  point  of  resistance 26 

IX.  Example  of  a  platoon  in  the  second  wave  of  trench-to- 
trench  assault  meeting  a  point  of  resistance 27 

X.  Example  of  a  platoon  attacking  a  tactical  point  in  open 

warfare — correct  method 28 

XI.  Example  of  a  platoon  attacking  a  tactical  point  in  open 

warfare — incorrect  method 29 

XII.  Example  of  a  platoon  reinforcing  in  open  warfare — 

correct  method 30 

XIII.  Example  of  a  platoon  reinforcing  in  open  warfare — in- 
correct method 31 

7 


INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  THE  TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR 
OFFENSIVE  ACTION,  1917. 


PART  I.— ORGANIZATION  AND  TACTICS,,  ,  -,    ,  ; 

1.  ORGANIZATION  OF  A  PLATOON. 

The  platoon  is  the  smallest  unit  in  the  field  which  comprises  all 
the  weapons  with  which  the  Infantry  eoldier  is  armed.  It  has  a 
minimum  strength,  exclusive  of  its  headquarters,  of  28  0.  R.  and  a 
maximum  of  44  O.  R.  If  the  strength  falls  below  the  minimum,  the 
platoon  ceases  to  be  workable,  and  the  necessary  numbers  will  be 
obtained  by  the  temporary  almalgamation  of  companies,  platoons, 
or  sections  under  battalion  arrangements. 

Taking  an  average  strength  in  the  sections  of  36  O.  R.,  a  suitable 

organization  would  be  as  follows: 

Total 
O.K. 

Headquarters — 1  officer  and  4  O.  R .' 4 

1  section  bombers — 1  N.  0.  O.  and  8  O.  R.  (includes  2  bayonet 

men  and  2  throwers) 9 

1  section  Lewis  gunners — 1  N.  C.  O.  and  8  O.  R.  (includes  Nos. 

land  2) 9 

1  section  riflemen — 1  N.  C.  0.  and  8  O.  R.  (picked  shots,  scouts, 

picked  bayonet  fighters) 9 

1  section  rifle  bombers — 1  N.  0.  O.  and  8  O.  R.  (includes  4  bomb 

firers) 9 

Total 36 

Every  N.  C.  O  and  man  should  carry  a  rifle  and  fix  his  bayonet 
for  the  assault,  except  Nos.  1  and  2  of  Lewis  gun  and  rifle  bombers, 
if  using  a  cup  attachment. 

2.  PARADE. 

The  platoon  should  parade  in  line,  sections  at  two  paces  internal, 
or  in  column  of  sections;  commanders  should  be  two  paces  in  front 
of  their  sections. 

105280°— 17 2  9 


10       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 
3.  AMMUNITION,  BOMBS,  ETC.,  AND  HOW  CARRIED. 

In  each  section  enough  ammunition  and  bombs  can  be  carried  for 
immediate  requirements. 

In  the  trench-to-trench  attack  every  man  (except  bombers,  signal- 
ers, scouts,  runners,  and  Lewis  gunners  who  carry  50  rounds)  carries 
at  least  120  rounds  S.  A.  A.  and  2  or  more  bombs. 

The  Lewis  gun  section  carries  30  drums  (a  good  method  is  2  haver- 
sacks joined  vlrh  slings  or  braces,  1  on  chest — 2  drums;  1  on  back — 
3  drums). 

In.  bOxTibiiiK  sections  each  thrower  carries  5  bombs,  and  the 
lei1  dinner  10  cr  more  9ach. 

Every  man  in  a  rifle  bomb  section  can  carry  at  least  6  rifle 
bombs  (a  good  method  is  a  haversack  carried  on  the  back  with 
six  or  more  holes  punched  in  the  bottom  to  take  the  stick,  can- 
vas being  attached  to  the  haversack  in  shape  of  a  bag  to  pro- 
tect the  sticks). 

Flares  must  be  distributed  throughout  sections. 

Two  P.  bombs  should  be  carried  by  each  "  mopper  up  "  in 
addition  to  other  descriptions. 

Any  further  requirements  in  S.A.A.  bombs,  etc.,  must  be 
met  by  carrying  parties  from  other  companies  specially  detailed. 

In  open  warfare  the  number  of  bombs  to  be  carried  in  the 
section  of  bombers  and  rifle  bombs  in  rifle  bomb  sections  may 
be  regulated  according  to  the  objectives  to  be  attacked. 

4.  CHARACTERISTICS  AND  USES  OF  THE  VARIOUS  WEAPONS. 

(a)  The  rifle  and  bayonet,  being  the  most  efficient  offensive 
weapons  of  the  soldier,  are  for  assault,  for  repelling  attack,  or 
for  obtaining  superiority  of  fire.  Every  N.C.O.  and  man  in  the 
platoon  must  be  proficient  in  their  use. 

•  (6)  The  bomb  is  the  second  weapon  of  every  N.C.O.  and  man, 
and  is  used  either  for  dislodging  the  enemy  from  behind  cover 
or  killing  him  below  ground. 

(c)  The  rifle  bomb  is  the  "  howitzer  "  of  the  infantry  and  used 
to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  behind  cover  and  to  obtain  superior- 
ity of  fire  by  driving  him  underground. 

(d)  The  Lewis  gun  is  the  weapon  of  opportunity.     Its  chief 
uses  are  to  kill  the  enemy  above  ground  and  to  obtain  superiority 
of  fire.     Its  mobility  and  the  small  target  it  and  its  team  present 
render  it  peculiarly  suitable  for  working  round  an  enemy's  flank 
or  for  guarding  one's  own  flank. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.        11 

5.  THE  NORMAL  FORMATIONS  FOR  PLATOONS  AND  COMPANIES  IN 
THE  ATTACK. 

A.    TRENCH-TO-TRENCH    ATTACK. 

The  platoon. — Appendix  I  shows  a  platoon  in  1st  and  2nd 
waves.  Appendix  II  shows  a  platoon  in  artillery  formation  of 
sections.  These  can  move  in  fours,  file  or  single  file,  according 
to  the  ground  and  other  factors.  Platoon  H.Q.  should  move 
with  that  column  best  situated  for  purposes  of  command;  this 
will  usually  be  the  rear  section. 

The  company. — Appendix  III  shows  the  normal  formation  of 
a  company  in  two  waves,  in  which  the  formation  of  the  platoon 
remains  the  same. 

B.  OPEN  WARFARE    (APPENDIX  IV). 

The  formation  may  conveniently  be  the  same  as  the  above 
when  deployment  first  takes  place.  The  first  wave  becomes  the 
firing  line,  the  second  wave  the  supports. 

"  Moppers  up  "  will  not  usually  be  required. 

6.  WORKING  AND  CARRYING  PARTIES. 

Working  and  carrying  parties  should  be  detailed  by  complete 
.sections  under  their  leaders,  irrespective  of  the  weapon  with 
which  they  nre  armed.  They  should  never  be  found  by  detailing 
a  certain  number  of  men  from  the  platoon. 

A  platoon  acting  as  a  carrying  party  should  move  in  file,  the 
sergeant  at  the  head  with  the  guide,  the  platoon  commander 
bringing  up  the  rear.  The  pace  at  the  head  should  be  slow  and 
section  commanders  must  pass  down  word  if  they  can  not 
keep  up. 

When  a  platoon  is  detailed  for  a  working  party  its  commander, 
and  no  one  else,  is  responsible  for  the  quality  and  quantity  of 
work  performed ;  he  can  not  take  too  much  interest  in  this 
matter. 

7.  TACTICS  OF  A  PLATOON  IN  ATTACK. 

In  either  a  trench-to-trench  attack  or  in  open  warfare  these 
resolve  themselves  in  the  majority  of  cases  into  the  method  of 
attack  of  tactical  points. 

A  tactical  point  may  be  described  as  a  locality,  the  possession 
of  which  is  of  first  importance  locally  to  either  side.  It  may 


12       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

take  the  form  of  any  of  the  following :  A  "  strong  point,"  the 
junction  of  a  communication  trench,  a  cross  roads,  a  bank,  a 
hedge,  a  house,  or  other  locality  of  limited  dimensions. 

The  tactics  to  be  employed  may  be  summarized  as  follows : 

(i)  Push  on  to  the  objective  at  all  costs  and  get  in  with  the 
bayonet. 

(ii)  If  held  up,  obtain  superiority  of  fire  and  envelop  one  or 
both  flanks. 

(iii)  If  reinforcing  another  platoon  which  is  held  up,  help  to 
obtain  superiority  of  fire  and  envelop  a  flank. 

(iv)  Cooperate  with  platoons  on  either  flank. 

For  purposes  of  instruction  these  may  be  considered  under : 
A.  Trench-to-trench  attack ;  B.  Attack  in  open  warfare. 

A.   TEENCH-TO-TEENCH    ATTACK     (APPENDIXES    VIII    AND    II). 

In  regard  to — 

( i )  No  further  comment  is  necessary,  other  than  to  lay  stress 
on  the  point  that  waves  must  go  direct  above  ground  to  their 
objective. 

(ii)  The  action  of  the  various  sections  and  commanders  should 
be  as  follows : 

The  section  of  riflemen  should,  without  halting,  gain  a  posi- 
tion on  a  flank  from  which  to  attack  both  with  fire  and  with 
the  bayonet. 

The  section  of  bombers  should,  without  halting,  gain  a  posi- 
tion on  a  flank  and  attack  under  cover  of  the  bombardment  of 
rifle  bombs. 

The  section  of  rifle  bombers  should  open  a  hurricane  bom- 
bardment on  the  point  of  resistance  from  the  nearest  cover 
available. 

The  section  of  Lewis  gunners  should  in  the  first  instance  open 
traversing  fire  on  the  point  of  resistance  from  the  nearest  cover 
available.  At  a  later  stage  it  may  be  desirable  to  work  round  a 
flank. 

Section  commanders  control  and  lead  their  sections,  keeping 
touch  with  the  platoon  commander. 

The  platoon  commander  controls  and  directs  the  sections  and 
sends  back  information  to  the  company  commander. 

(iii)  One  of  the  most  important  factors  in  the  action  of  a 
platoon  reinforcing  another  is  that  of  its  commander.  He  should 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.   13 

make  himself  acquainted  with  the  situation  before  he  com- 
mits his  platoon  to  any  line  of  action.  This  is  called  the  per- 
sonal reconnaissance  of  the  commander. 

(iv)  The  means  to  be  employed  in  cooperation  depend  so 
greatly  upon  the  circumstances  at  the  moment  that  it  is  impos- 
sible to  lay  down  a  definite  line  of  action  to  adopt.  Cooperation 
means  help.  If  a  neighboring  platoon  is  held  up,  one  of  the 
surest  ways  of  helping  it  is  to  push  on.  Touch  must  always 
be  maintained ;  this  can  be  effected  by  means  of  a  patrol  of 
two  men,  as  well  as  by  signal. 

B.    ATTACK  IN   OPEN  WARFARE    (APPENDIXES  X  TO  XIII ). 

The  line  of  action  described  above  will  usually  be  found  suit- 
able. Owing  to  the  more  extended  field  of  action,  however,  the 
use  of  scouts  and  the  personal  reconnaissance  of  the  platoon 
commander  become  of  increased  importance. 

Great  opportunities  will  also  occur  for  mutual  support  from 
rifles  or  Lewis  guns  for  the  movement  of  neighboring  sections 
and  platoons. 

8.  THE  TACTICS  or  THE  PLATOON  IN  DEFENSE. 

In  both  trench  and  open  warfare  the  action  to  be  taken  in  the 
defense  is  practically  the  same,  namely,  to  hold  ground  by  occu- 
pying mutually  supporting  tactical  points,  so  situated  as  to  be 
screened  from  artillery  fire,  and  to  obtain — 

(i)   Observation. 

(ii)  Field  of  fire  for  all  rifles. 

( iii )   Enfilade  fire  for  the  Lewis  gun. 

For  these  purposes  the  analogy  between  trench  and  open  war- 
fare is  not  far  to  seek.  For  instance,  In  occupying  a  captured 
position — 

"  Consolidation  "  in  trench  warfare  corresponds  to  the  occu- 
pation of  an  "  outpost  position  "  in  open  warfare. 

"Observation  posts"  in  trench  warfare  corresponds  to  "sen- 
try groups  "  in  open  warfare. 

"  Strong  points  "  in  trench  warfare  corresponds  to  "  picquets  " 
in  open  warfare. 

In  both  cases  the  necessity  for  visiting  and  reconnoitering 
patrols  is  equally  important. 


14       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

9.  GENERAL  RULES  AS  TO  TACTICS. 

In  regard  to  all  tactical  situations  on  the  battlefield,  the  old 
principles  are  applicable  both  to  trench  warfare  and  to  open 
warfare,  and  should  become  a  second  nature  or  subconscious 
habit.  They  may  be  summarized  as  follows : 

(i)  Aim  at  surprise,  i.  e.,  see  without  being  seen.  Do  not  let 
bayonets  show  over  the  parapet,  and  take  care  the  assembly  is 
not  given  away  by  perceptible  movement. 

(ii)  Reconnoiter  before  movement;  that  is  to  say,  work  by 
"  bounds,"  making  ground  good  with  scouts  before  advancing 
to  it 

(iii)  Protection.  Never  remain  halted  on  the  field  of  battle 
without  a  lookout.  Sentries  must  be  posted,  no  matter  what 
troops  are  supposed  to  be  in  front. 

(iv)  The  flanks,  (a)  Guard  your  own  flanks  and  keep  touch 
with  neighboring  units;  (&)  try  and  get  the  enemy's  Hank. 
For  example:  (a)  In  trench  warfare  booming  and  Lewis  gun 
sections  guard  the  outer  flank  and  liaison  is  kept  with  neigh- 
boring units ;  in  open  warfare  scouts  must  always  be  employed 
on  an  outer  flank,  one  section,  usually  the  Lewis  gun  section, 
must  be  told  off  to  act  in  that  direction  if  necessary,  and  touch 
must  always  be  kept  with  troops  on  either  flank.  (&)  Employ 
enveloping  tactics. 

(v)  Send  information  back  to  your  company  commander. 
Negative  information  is  as  important  as  positive.  You  can  not 
expect  assistance  from  your  superiors  or  from  the  artillery 
unless  you  tell  them  where  you  are  and  how  you  are  situated. 

(vi)  Hold  what  you  gain.  Never  withdraw  from  a  position 
without  being  ordered  to  do  so.  If  where  you  are  is  unhealthy 
and  appears  untenable  owing  to  casualties,  any  attempt  at 
withdrawal — anyhow  in  daylight — will  end  in  increased  casual- 
ties. Therefore,  stay  where  you  are  and  send  back  information. 


PART  II.— TRAINING. 

1.  To  obtain  uniformity  of  ideas  and  tactics  it  is  necessary 
for  the  method  to  be  followed  in  training  platoons  to  be  laid 
down  on  broad  lines. 

2.  The  requirements  to  be  attained  are : 

(«)  The  offensive  spirit.  All  ranks  must  be  taught  that 
their  aim  and  object  is  to  come  to  close  quarters  with  the  enemy 
as  quickly  as  possible  so  as  to  be  able  to  use  the  bayonet.  This 
must  become  a  second  nature. 

( b )  Initiative.    The  matter  of  control  by  even  company  leaders 
on  the  battle  field  is  now  so  difficult  that  the  smaller  forma- 
tions— i.  e.,  platoon  and  section  commanders — must  be  trained 
to  take  the  necessary  action  on  their  own  initiative,  without 
waiting  for  orders. 

(c)  Confidence  in  weapons,  necessitating  a  high  standard  of 
skill  at  arms. 

(d)  Cooperation  of  weapons  is  essential  on  the  battle  field, 
and  is  the  corollary  of  (c). 

(e)  Discipline  is  most  necessary  at  all  times,  and  particularly 
on  the  battle  field. 

(/)  Morale  must  be  heightened  by  every  possible  means ;  con- 
fidence in  leaders  and  wreapons  goes  a  long  way  toward  it. 

(g)  Esprit  de  corps.  True  soldierly  spirit  must  be  built  up 
in  sections  and  platoons.  Each  section  should  consider  itself 
the  best  section  in  the  platoon,  and  the  platoon  the  best  in  the 
battalion. 

3.  The  method  of  attaining  these  requirements  is  as  follows: 
(i)  The  platoon  commander  should  divide  the  time  allotted 

to  him  for  training  into  two  periods,  the  first  being  devoted  to 
individual  and  section  training  and  the  second  to  collective  or 
platoon  training  and  tactical  exercises. 

(ii)  Training  should  be  progressive,  beginning  with  section 
drill  without  arms,  saluting,  etc.,  working  up  to  battle  forma- 
tions and  tactical  exercises. 

15 


13       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

(iii)  A  refresher  course  every  evening  for  section  leaders,  in 
which  the  next  day's  work  should  be  gone  through,  is  essential : 
if  they  are  shaky  in  it,  they  should  practice  it  then  and  there. 

(iv)  A  high  standard  of  skill  at  arms  can  only  be  produced  by 
both  the  platoon  commander  and  platoon  sergeant  being  pro- 
ficient in  the  use  of  and  able  to  impart  instruction  in  all  the 
weapons  with  which  the  platoon  is  armed. 

(v)  Soldierly  spirit  in  the  platoon  and  sections  is  obtained 
by  encouraging  section  leaders  to  take  a  pride  in  their  sections 
and  in  their  work.  The  formation  adopted  in  falling  in  on 
platoon  parades  tends  to  bring  this  about.  Section  leaders 
should  inspect  their  sections  before  the  platoon  commander 
inspects  the  platoon,  and  they  should  report  them  correct  or 
otherwise.  At  evening  entertainments  and  lectures  regimental 
history  and  accounts  of  skill  at  arms  and  feats  of  daring  on 
the  battle  field  should  be  given  prominence. 

All  ranks  must  be  trained  in  the  following : 

(vi)  Steady  drill  and  ceremonial  are  necessary  to  inculcate 
discipline,  of  which  cleanliness,  smartness,  and  steadiness  are 
the  bedrock. 

(vii)  Bayonet  fighting  produces  lust  for  blood;  much  may  be 
accomplished  in  billets  in  wet  weather,  as  \vell  as  out  of  doors 
on  fine  days. 

(viii)  Bomb  throwing  and  duties  of  moppers-up  require  prac- 
tice and  careful  study.  Moppers-up  should  work  in  pairs  under 
their  own  commander.  They  drop  into  their  objective  and  work 
laterally  outward.  They  kill  any  enemy  met  with  in  the  trenches 
and  guard  the  entrances  to  dugouts  and  side  trenches.  They 
must  not  penetrate  down  into  the  dugouts  before  the  platoon 
for  which  they  are  mopping  up  arrives. 

(ix)  Musketry :  Too  much  stress  can  not  be  laid  on  practicing 
the  standard  tests  laid  down  in  musketry  regulations.  These 
can  be  practiced  in  billets  on  wet  days  just  as  well  as  out  of 
doors.  Tripods  and  aim  correctors  are  easily  improvised.  Good 
bolt  manipulation,  produced  chiefly  by  the  application  of  the 
standard  tests  in  the  barrack  room  on  wet  days,  kept  the  enemy 
out  of  our  trenches  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  when  such 
luxuries  as  wire  entanglements  were  not  forthcoming.  Ranges 
also  are  easily  improvised. 

(x)  Physical  fitness:  Route  inarching,  physical  training,  and 
recreational  training,  such  as  football,  paper  chases,  etc.  These 
latter  are  best  carried  out  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  after- 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.       17 

noons,  which,  if  training  is  progressing  satisfactorily,  may  be 
half  holidays. 

(xi)   Fire  discipline. 

(xii)  Wiring. 

(xiii)  Field  works  and  filing  on  tasks:  The  placing  of  frames 
for  mined  dugouts  may  suitably  be  included  in  platoon  training. 

(xiv)  Work  in  the  field:  Tactical  exercises  in  which  the  use 
of  ground  and  choice  of  cover  in  both  trench  and  open  warfare 
must  receive  close  attention  are  most  necessary.  An  intelligent 
use  of  ground  frequently  enables  forward  movement  to  be  made 
without  loss.  In  choice  of  cover,  as  a  general  rule,  anything 
marked  on  a  map  or  very  well  defined  should,  if  possible,  be 
avoided  to  obviate  casualties  from  shell  fire.  Such  exercises 
can  be  carried  out,  as  a  rule,  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of 
billets;  it  is  seldom  necessary  to  waste  time  by  going  too  far 
afield,  except  when  route  marching  and  march  discipline  is  being 
practiced.  Schemes  should  comprise  the  attack  of  tactical  points 
in  trench  and  open  warfare,  the  action  of  a  platoon,  as  van- 
guard to  an  advance  guard,  an  outpost  picket,  etc.  The  platoon 
sergeant  and  section  commanders  can  be  usefully  trained  by  this 
means  when  the  men  are  otherwise  employed;  it  enhances  their 
powers  of  initiative. 

(xv)  Gas  drill,  including  bombing,  bayonet  fighting,  and  mus- 
ketry with  masks  or  box  respirators  on. 

Sections  must  be  exercised  in  their  particular  weapon : 

(xvi)  The  bombing  section  in  bombing  attack. 

(xvii)  The  rifle  bombing  section  in  quickly  forming  a  rifle 
bomb  bombardment  or  barrage. 

(xviii)  The  Lewis  gun  section  in  coming  into  action  and 
opening  fire  quickly. 

(xix)  The  rifle  section.  The  training  of  this  section  is  very 
important.  Each  man  should  be  a  marksman,  first-class  with 
bayonet  and  bomb,  and  a  scout,  in  addition  to  being  either  a 
Lewis  gunner  or  rifle  bomber. 

Training  in  certain  other  subjects  is  necessary  for  certain 
individuals  : 

(xx)  Section  commanders.  Fire  control  and  description  of 
targets,  map  reading,  observation,  and  information.  Salient 
points  in  writing  messages.  Simple  tactical  exercises. 

(xxi)  Scouts  and  snipers.  Map  reading,  observation,  infor- 
mation, and  salient  points  in  writing  messages  and  use  of  ap- 
pliances. Each  section  should  produce  a  pair. 


18        TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

(xxii)  Runners  and  dispatch  carriers.  How  to  find  an  indi- 
vidual and  how  to  deliver  a  message. 

Certain  training  must  be  practiced  by  night  as  well  as  day, 
namely : 

(xxiii)  Bayonet  fighting,  bomb  throwing,  Lewis  gun  firing, 
musketry,  wiring,  running  and  dispatch  carrying,  and  tactical 
exercises. 

(xxiv)  Live  ammunition.  No  form  of  instruction  with  arms 
can  be  considered  complete  until  it  has  been  carried  out  with 
live  ammunition  under  conditions  as  nearly  as  possible  approach- 
ing those  which  would  pertain  on  the  battle  field. 

(xxv)  Competitions.  Each  form  of  instruction  should  be 
made  the  subject  of  a  competition,  from  saluting  and  clean  turn- 
out up  to  musketry,  accuracy  of  rifle  bombs,  scouting,  sniping, 
etc.,  etc.  Prizes  are  seldom  necessary  for  such  competitions,  if 
the  result  is  published  in  battalion  orders. 

(xxv'i)  Thoroughness.  As  regards  dress  and  arrangements 
generally,  no  part  of  the  training  should  be  perfunctory ;  that  Is 
to  say,  nothing  should  be  left  to  the  imagination ;  work  must  al- 
ways be  based  on  the  actual  ground  and  situation  as  they  exist. 
The  turnout  should  always  be  in  fighting  order,  with  haver- 
sacks properly  packed  and  with  the  full  complement  of  arms 
and  ammunition  which  would  be  carried  in  battle. 


PART  III.— GENERAL  REMARKS. 

A  platoon  commander  will  have  gone  a  long  way  toward  hav- 
ing a  well-trained  platoon  if  he  has  gained  the  confidence  of  his 
noncommissioned  officers  and  men  and  has  established  a  high 
soldierly  spirit  in  all  ranks. 

The  confidence  of  his  men  can  be  gained  by — 

(a)  Being  the  best  man  at  arms  in  the  platoon,  or  trying  to 
be  so. 

( b)  Being  quick  to  act,  taking  real  command  on  all  occasions, 
issuing  clear  orders,  and  not  forgetting  to  see  them  carried  out. 

(r)  Example,  being  himself  well  turned  out,  punctual,  and 
cheery  even  under  adverse  circumstances. 

(d)  Enforcing  strict  discipline  at  all  times.     This  must  be  a 
willing  discipline,  not  a  sulky  one.    Be  just,  but  do  not  be  soft — 
men  despise  softness. 

(e)  Recognizing  a  good  effort,  even  if  it  is  not  really  suc- 
cessful.   A  word  of  praise  when  deserved  produces  better  results 
than  incessant  faultfinding. 

(/)  Looking  after  his  men's  comfort  before  his  own  and  never 
sparing  himself. 

(y)  Demanding  a  high  standard  on  all  occasions,  and  never 
resting  content  with  what  he  takes  over,  be  it  on  the  battle  field 
or  in  billets.  Everything  is  capable  of  improvement  from  infor- 
mation on  the  battle  field  down  to  latrines  and  washing  places 
in  billets. 

(h)  Being  bloodthirsty,  and  forever  thinking  how  to  kill  the 
enemy  and  helping  his  men  to  do  so. 

The  platoon  commander  should  be  the  proudest  man  in  the 
Army.  He  is  commander  of  the  unit  in  the  attack.  He  is 
the  only  commander  who  can  know  intimately  the  character  and 
capabilities  of  each  man  under  him.  He  can,  if  he  is  so  disposed, 
establish  an  esprit  de  platoon  which  will  be  hard  to  equal  in  any 
other  formation. 

19 


20       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

APPENDIX  I. 

The  Platoon,  Taking  an  Average  Strength  of  36  and  H.Q.  4 — 
Formation  for  Trench-to-Trench  Attack. 

(Showing  2  platoons  in  2  waves,  with  the  right  the  outer  flank.) 

< 700  X ,. 


OOOO&  O  OOO  I*  Line} 


44  +  4$*+** 


AAAAAAAA&    A  A  A  A  A  A  A  A   d^LmefMoppers  up  Forthe  Ob/ccfi»e 

^allotted  /•  /*«  2*  Wave) 


SO" 
to 
/OO' 


t  aonD^aono 

IS* 
fa 
2S  » 

I 


0  Platoon  Commander. 
D  Platoon  Sergeant. 
C3  Section  Commander. 


Key.- 

D   Rifleman.  9  Rifle  Bomber. 

B    Lewis  Gunner.  A  Moppcr  Up. 

O    Bomber.  CSS  Platoon  H.Q. 


NOTES. 

Two  platoons  are  depicted,  showing  the  different  positions  of  lenders 
in  first  and  second  waves. 

The  platoon  is  the  unit  in  the  assault,  moves  in  one  wave  of  two 
lines,  and  has  one  definite  objective. 

Every  man  is  a  rifleman  and  a  bomber,  and  in  the  assault,  with  the 
exception  of  the  No.  1  and  No.  2  of  the  Lewis  gun,  fixes  his  bayonet. 
Men  in  rifle  sections  must  be  trained  either  to  the  Lewis  gun  or  rifle 
bomb. 

P.ombinif  and  Lewis  gun  sections  are  on  the  outer  flank  of  platoons. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.       21 

In  assembly,  the  distance  between  lines  and  waves  may  conveniently 
he  reduced  to  lessen  the  danger  of  rear  waves  being  caught  in  enemy 
barrage,  the  distance  being  increased  when  the  advance  takes  place. 

"  Moppers  up  "  follow  the  second  line  of  a  wave  and  precede  the 
unit  for  which  they  are  to  mop  u;o.  If  the  numbers  are  large,  they 
must  be  found  from  a  different  company  or  battalion.  Small  numbers 
are  preferably  found  from  the  unit  for  which  they  are  to  mop  up. 
They  must  carry  a  distinctive  badge  and  have  their  own  commander. 

G.S. 

O.B.      No.      1919/T 

APPENDIX  II. 

The    Platoon    in    Artillery    Formation    with    the    Right    the 
Outer  Flank. 

"I" 

D  D 

D  a 
a  a 


{ 


00 

oo 

°° 

oo 


6  Platoon  Commander 

9  9 

a  Q  6  Platoon  Sergeant 

ill  Section  Commander 

D  Rifleman 

(2  Lewis  Gunner 

O  Bomber 

C23  Platoon  H  Q 

4  Rifle  Bomber 


NOTES. 

Sections  move  in  fours,  file,  or  single  file,  according  to  the  ground 
and  other  factors  of  the  case. 

Platoon  II. Q.  moves  with  that  column  best  suited  for  purposes  of 
command. 


22       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOE  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

APPENDIX  III. 

The  Company,  Taking  4  Average  Strength  Platoons  of  36 
O.K.  and  Coy.  H.Q.  14. — Formation  for  Trench-to-Trench 
Attack. 


-  zoo" 


A  A  A        A  A  A       A  A  A        A  A 


for  the  Objective 
'ottedto+he  Zt 


Key:—     6     Coy.  Commander. 
SI     Coy.  H.Q. 


Platoon  (in  2  lines). 
Moppers  up. 


The  company  moves  In  two  waves,  has  two  objectives,  and  is  dis- 
tributed in  depth. 

"  Moppers  up "  follow  the  second  line  of  a  wave  and  precede  the 
unit  for  which  they  are  to  mop  up.  If  the  numbers  are  large  they  must 
be  found  from  a  different  company  or  battalion.  Small  numbers  are 
preferably  found  from  the  unit  for  which  they  are  to  mop  up.  They 
must  carry  a  distinctive  badge  and  have  their  own  commander. 


G.S. 
O.B. 


No.     1919/T 


TRAINING  CF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 
APPENDIX  IV. 


23 


The  Platoon,  Taking  an  Average  Strength  of  36  and  H.Q.  4.  — 
Formation  for  Attack  in  Open  Warfare. 

(Showing  two  platoons  in  two  lines,  with  the  right  the  outer 

flanks.) 


'00' 


OOOoiiOOOO 


^FIRING  LINE 


Key 

0  Platoon  Commander. 
6  Platoon  Sergeant. 
6  Section  Commander. 


O   Rifleman. 

H    Lewis  Gunner. 

NOTES. 


SUPPORTS 


Horn  her. 
Rifle  Bomber. 
Platoon  H.Q. 


Two  platoons  are  depicted  showing  the  different  positions  of  leaders 
in  firing  line  and  supports. 

The  platoon  is  the  unit,  has  one  definite  objective,  and  can  move  in 
two  lines,  as  above,  or  form  one  line  as  circumstances  dictatp.  Two 
lines  are  most  easily  obtained  from  artillery  formation. 


24       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

Every  man  is  a  rifleman  and  a  bomber,  and  in  the  assault,  with  the 
exception  of  the  No.  1  of  Lewis  gun,  fixes  his  bayonet.  Men  in  rifle 
sections  must  be  trained  either  to  the  Lewis  gun  or  rifle  bomb. 

Bombing  and  Lewis-gun  sections  are  on  the  outer  flank  of  platoons. 
The  number  of  bombs  and  rifle  grenades  to  be  carried  will  be  decided 
by    the   nature   of   the    objective    distance   to    be   traversed   and    other 
considerations. 

G.S. 

O.B.     No.     1919/T 

APPENDIX  V. 
Suggested  daily  program  during  summer  months : 

FIRST   PERIOD. 

Before  breakfast:  Section  drill. 

After  breakfast:  One  hour  each  section  in  its  own  weapons, 
the  rifle  sections  being  allotted  half  to  the  Lewis  gun  section 
and  half  to  the  rifle  bomb  section.  One  hour  the  whole  platoon 
bomb  throwing.  One  hour  physical  training  and  bayonet 
lighting. 

Finish  the  morning  with  ceremonial ;  that  is  to  say,  form  up 
and  march  past  the  platoon  or  company  commander  on  the  way 
to  dinner. 

After  dinner :  Communicating  drill  and  control  of  fire  drill. 
Musketry  on  the  range  alternately  by  sections.  Recreation  at 
4  p.  m.  Noncommissioned  officers  refreshed  in  the  next  day's 
work  at  6.30  p.  m. 

APPENDIX  VI. 

SECOND    PERIOD. 

Before  breakfast:  Platoon  drill. 

After  breakfast:  Half  hour  whole  platoon  bomb  throwing. 
One  hour  instruction  in  wiring,  digging,  and  filing  on  tasks ; 
scouts  and  snipers — information,  map  reading,  and  message 
writing;  runners  and  dispatch  carriers;  moppers  up.  One  hour 
physical  and  bayonet  training.  Last  half  hour  fire  control  and 
fire  discipline.  Ceremonial  on  the  way  to  dinner. 

After  dinner:  Simple  tactical  schemes.  Recreation  at  4 
p.  m.  Noncommissioned  officers  refreshed  in  the  next  day's 
work  at  6.30  p.  m.  Simple  tactical  schemes. 

NOTE  TO   SUGGESTED  PROGRAM. 

For  examples  of  exercises  in  the  field  both  in  trench-to-trench 
attack  and  in  open  warfare  see  Appendixes  VII  to  XIII. 

If  training  is  progressing  satisfactorily,  half-holidays  should 
be  allowed  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.   25 

Men  who  prove  themselves  efficient  should  be  excused  certain 
parades.  Individual  keenness  is  easily  promoted  and  easily 
rewarded. 

During  winter  months  work  should  not  begin  till  after  break- 
fasts, e.  g.,  at  8.30  a.  m.  The  half-holidays  are  of  greater  im- 
portance than  during  the  summer,  because  on  other  days  there 
is  not  sufficient  light  after  4  p.  m.  for  games. 

Smoking  concerts  and  lectures  should  be  given  on  Wednesday 
and  Saturday  evenings. 

APPENDIX  VII. 

EXAMPLES  OF  USEFUL  EXERCISES  IN  OPEN  WARFARE. 

1.  Advance  or  flank-guard  schemes. — The  platoon  finding  the 
advance  parties  is  held  up  by  a  tactical  point,  necessitating  a 
fight.     (See  Appendixes  X  and  XII.) 

Points  to  be  watched: 

( i )  The  use  of  ground  and  scouts. 

(ii)  The  correct  use  of  weapons. 

(iii)  The  plan  should  be  that  of  enveloping  tactics. 

2.  Out  post  schemes^ — This  should  involve  the  placing  of  each 
individual  on  the  actual  ground.     For  instance,  sentry  groups, 
the  sentry  over  the  picket,  reliefs  for  visiting  and  reconnoiter- 
ing  patrols,  deciding  what  points  are  to  be  held,  and  how  they 
are  to  be  held  in  event  of  attack,  the  placing  of  the  Lewis  gun. 

3.  A  tactical  point  is  encountered  with  a  machine  gun.     Tac- 
tics of  the  supporting  platoon.     Particular  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  personal  reconnaissance  of  the  commander  to  the 
use  of  ground  and  weapons,  and  to  the  plan,  which  should  be  of 
the  nature  of  enveloping  tactics.     (See  Appendixes  VIII,  IX,  X, 
and  XII.) 

4.  Village  fighting. — In  this  the  Lewis  gun  can  be  employed  to 
keep  down  the  enemy's  rifle  fire,  while  bayonet  men  and  bombers 
bound  down  the  right-hand  side  of  the  street,  clearing  house 
by  house.     It  is  always  better,  if  possible,  to  enter  a  house  from 
the  back  rather  than  the  front. 

5.  Wood  fighting. — A  line  of  skirmishers  who  fire  while  ad- 
vancing (v.  par.  8  of  S.  S.  135,  Instructions  for  the  Training  of 
Divisions  for  Offensive  Action),  followed  by  sections  in  small 
columns,  has  been  found  a  convenient  formation.     Much  atten- 
tion to  keeping  direction  is  necessary. 


26       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

APPENDIX  VIII. 

Trench-to-Trench  Attack— Platoon  in  First  Wave  Meeting  a 
Point  of  Resistance. 


.  Dooaii  n  a  on  o/ooao  60000  nfUne 

£     1  {    I  /-/ 


&  2**/>.  Furthest  Objective 
Otyectire) 

6ooo6cx>o  6  •*"•///»/?  y 


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'5'     A      A      J     4       (S)    /A      A      A  /   A      3^Z//7ff 

/       (Moppet*  up  for  I" 

f_J_J_^ 


ICcy  :—  <5  PLatoon  Commander.  B  Lewis  Gunner. 

6  Platoon  Sergeant.  4'  Lewis  Gun  in  Action. 

^  Section  Commander.  O  Bomber. 

D  Rifleman.  •  Rifle  Bomber. 


istie  nearest 
Objective 

A  Moppcr  Up. 
E3  Platoon  H.Q. 
(5  Scout. 


NOTE. 

The  position  of  the  commander. 

The  rifle  bombs  and  Lewis  gun  fire  and  rifle  fire  are  obtaining  superi- 
ority over  the  enemey's  fire. 

The  bombers  and  riflemen  have  gone  straight  above  ground  to  their 
objective,  where  they  are  turning  the  flank  of  the  center  of  resistance. 

The  use  of  scouts  and  liaison  patrols. 

The  "  moppers  up  "  are  guarding  the  entrances  to  dugouts  and  com- 
munication trenches. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.       27 

APPENDIX  IX. 

Trench-to-Trench  Attack — Platoon  in  Second  Wave  Meeting 
a  Point  of  Resistance. 


f<Qj"Hlr^ff-" 


Key  t —  O  Platooa  Commander. 
t5  Platooa  Sergeant. 
&  Section  Commande'r. 

D   Rifleman. 


0   Lewis  Gunner. 
$    Lewis  Gun  in  Actiou. 
O    Bomber. 
4    Rifle  Bomber. 
NOTE. 


A    Mopper  Up. 
S3   Platooa  H.Q. 
6    Scout. 


The  commander  of  the  second  wave  gets  in  touch  with  the  situa- 
tion on  reaching  his  objective  through  the  commander  of  his  moppers  up 
and  the  commander  of  the  first  wave.  He  then  decides  to  help  the  first 
wave,  the  commander  of  which  goes  on  to  his  own  objective. 

Note,  especially  in  the  action  of  the  various  sections,  the  attack  above 
ground. 


28       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 

APPENDIX   X. 

Attack   in   Open   Warfare — Correct   Method   of   Action   of   a 
Platoon  in  Firing  Line,  Meeting  a  Point  of  Resistance. 


Key:— 

5  Platoon  Commarfder 

6  Platoon  Sergeant. 
&  Section  Commander 
D   Rifleman 

3  Lewis  Gunner. 
•I-    Lewis  Gun  in  Action 
O  Bomber. 
*  Rifle  Bomber. 
CS3  Platoon  n.Q. 
6    Scout. 


S&7.*..6< 


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/     /  /  /     / 

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/  /,  y  / .../ 

DDDoSaaao  6  000060000  /s/i//7<? 

I  /  \  FIRING  LIN  a 

/         A 


NOTE. 

Correct  use  of  scouts.  Sections  are  under  the  bands  of  their  com- 
manders. A  firing  line  has  been  built  up,  rifle,  bombs.  Lewis  gun  tire, 
and  rifle  fire  are  being  used  to  obtain  superiority  over  enemy  fire.  A 
flank  is  being  turned. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.       29 

APPENDIX  XT. 

Attack  in  Open  Warfare — Incorrect  Method  of  a  Platoon  in 
Firing  Line,  Meeting  a  Point  of  Resistance. 


Key:- 


O     Platoon  Commander 

®\f& 

*V\0 

6     Platoon  Sergeant 

060660660^0110 

3    Section  Commander 

o44oo46o         OB( 
*    /                     iO 

D     Rifleman 

ml          (SB 

//     *         / 

B    Lewis  Gudnec 

*    Lewis  Gnu  in  Action 

'         '         I' 

O     Bomber. 
4     Rifle  Bomber. 

1 

!  1  /,' 

a    Platoon  H.Q. 
6     Scout. 

//' 

i  i 

i_i/_ 

t  DODO 

finnni 

36^DOOOfeOOOO  lsttine 

/s* 

*.    -JL  : 

FIRING  Line 


NOTE. 


No  scouts  are  employed.  Sections  are  mixed  up  and  not  under  the 
hands  of  their  commanders.  No  firing  line  has  been  built  up.  No  at- 
tempt at  enveloping  tactics  is  being  made. 


30       TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION. 


APPENDIX  XII. 

Open  Warfare  —  Correct  Method  of  Action  of  a  Platoon  in 

Support. 


Key:- 

<3  Platoon  Commander. 

6  Platoon  Sergeant. 

5  Section  Commander. 
D  Rifleman. 

01  Lewis  Gunner. 

*!'  Lewis  Gun  in  Action. 

O  Bomber. 

SI  Platoon  H.Q. 

6  Scout, 

•  Rifle  Bomber. 


UNOER.  \     COVE* 


oooo  iSoooo  3*tine^ 

\SUPPOPTS 
aaaaiaaaa  4*Line] 


The  platoon  commander  is  soon  making  his  personal  reconnaissance 
some  hundred  yards  ahead,  with  the  platoon  waiting  under  cover  under 
platoon  sergeant.  On  result  of  this  reconnaissance  he  can  act  on  either 
flank,  dependent  on  the  ground  and  the  situation. 


TRAINING  OF  PLATOONS  FOR  OFFENSIVE  ACTION.        31 


APPENDIX  XIII. 

Open  Warfare  —  Incorrect  Method  of  Action  of  a  Platoon  in 

Support. 


Key:- 

6  Platoon  Commajnder. 

D  Platoon  Sergeant. 

&  Section  Commander. 

D  Rifleman. 

Q|  Lewis  Gunner. 

4*  Lewis  Gun  in  Action 

O  Somber- 

£  Riflo  Bomber. 
JS3   ?l»toon  H.Q. 

6     Scout. 


aaoafiaaoa   oooo  & 


SUPPORTS 


NOTE. 

The  platoon  commander  of  the  supports  is  shown  as  having  led  his 
platoon  right  up  to  the  platoon  already  engaged,  where  it  arrives  in 
confusion.  He  has  made  no  personal  reconnaissance  and  is  committed 
to  one  flank  only.  This  line  of  action  could  only  be  adopted  where 
good  cover  exists  immediately  in  rear  of  platoon  engaged,  in  which 
case  even,  the  platoon  commander  should  have  gone  ahead  and  finished 
his  personal  reconnaissance  by  the  time  his  platoon  arrives. 


O 


Photomount 
Pamphlet 

Binder 
Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 
Stockton,  Calif. 

PAT.  JAN.  21,  1908 


YC 


6643 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


